Douglas County Schools Partner With Business Community to Assist Students with Straight-to-Work Opportunities

Students from New Manchester High School visiting Medline Industries and learning how technology is used in the manufacturing process. Photo: Courtesy of Douglas County School System

Douglas County businesses are collaborating with high school seniors to create new job opportunities in the world of manufacturing. In April, 25 seniors from each high school in Douglas County toured West Georgia manufacturing facilities. The companies all have immediate career opportunities available to high school graduates.

“We have nationally and internationally recognized companies in Douglas County that need employees,” said Breezy Straton, Project Manager for the Douglas County Economic Development Authority. “The companies offer fabulous career opportunities for students straight out of high school.”

The school system partnered with the Douglas County Economic Development Authority, the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, West Georgia Technical College, and the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance to host the 125 students. After the tours, students were treated to lunch where they received information about a nine-day career-ready training program sponsored by West Georgia Technical College.

Students were encouraged to apply for the program which will take place the week after graduation. Topics that will be covered in the training are basic OSHA 10 requirements; preparation for forklift certification; basic electrical, mechanical and systems operations; and other general workplace skills. At the conclusion of the program, various companies in Douglas County will interview students for immediate job opportunities.

The Douglas County School System is grateful to the following companies for hosting students for the tours: DeNyse Companies, American Red Cross, Gordon Foods, Medline, Southern Aluminum Fabrication (SAF), and Seasons 4.

A fifteen year veteran of radio and television news, Portia Lake is the Director of Public Information for the Douglas County School System. As Spokesperson for Douglas County Schools, she finds tremendous joy in sharing important news about the school system and celebrating the success of every student. Portia lives in Douglasville with her husband and twin sons. In her free time, you will find her traveling with family or enjoying her passions for photography and calligraphy.